Stadelman's HoopStars tourney moves to Davis Park

Saturday

Aug 23, 2014 at 9:00 AM

Corina Curry Staff writer @corinacurry

Any who knows Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman knows his appreciation for the game of basketball.

He played on his high school team and continues to play to this day for fun and exercise. He’s coached a number of teams, and he even has an annual Senator Stadelman’s HoopStars tourney – a free 3-on-3 basketball tournament for area youth.

This year, to bring back some of the spirit of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball tournament that used to be played on the streets of downtown Rockford, HoopStars will be played in Davis Park Sept. 1 with the first games tipping off after the Labor Day Parade.

Children need to register in teams of four. The deadline is Aug. 27. They can register online or in person at Stadelman’s office in the Zeke Giorgi Center, 200 S. Wyman St.

The tournament is open to boys and girls in third through eighth grades. All players will receive free T-shirts. Trophies or medals also will be awarded.

"Sports can play a significant role in the development of a child, and I want to offer this free of charge to young athletes who might not have as many opportunities to compete,” Stadelman said. “My goal is that Senator Stadelman's HoopStars grows into a junior version of Gus Macker and fills the downtown streets with excitement on Labor Day weekend for years to come."